Details are still very fluid at the moment. What has happened in Christchurch yesterday compare in no way to the 7.1 earthquake in september. Even though the magnitude of the quake is lower (6.3), the shaking was much more (0.8G vs 1.0G). it has overloaded even modern buildings built to very strong earthquake codes. The 6.3 was shallow (about 5km deep), and right under parts of the city. the 7.1 was deeper, and 20-30kms from the city outskirts.

As of a few mins ago - at least 75 bodies have been pulled from rubble so far, expected to go much higher, as there are known bodies that have yet to be retreived.

There are at least 2 major complete building collapses, of 4-7 story buildings. This has trapped many people, and very likely many people have been killed. There are also major damages to other buildings that will probably mean they will have to be pulled down.... just check thisphoto out (not taken by me). This is a 20 story building built in around 1985.

The historic buildings that faired well in sept, have been massively damaged, to the point that they are currently talking about most may have to be pulled down. The Christchurch Cathedral (_THE_ icon of christchurch) has had massive damage, with the spiral falling. There are reports of people were in the observation point at the time, so there are deaths there, but at this stage it's still too dangerous to look in the rubble. No cries from help coming from here, so hopefully it was quick for anyone caught up in this bit.

The power system - after the 7.1 90% of the city had power back on within 24 hours. This time is at about 50-60% after 24 hours, and they are talking that it will be weeks before it reaches 90+% due to damage to substations.

The phones: Massive congestion as people try to contact each other. Also the companies are warning that a lot of the cellsites are running of battery backup, which will start failing soon. Urging people to use SMS messaging as lowers power needs.

Water System - this took a heavy hit in Sept, but was mostly working within 3-4 days, as major breaks in lines repaired. Reports from the city council - major issues as pumping stations have been destroyed. Some sinking feet into the ground.

Sewer System - like water - was hit hard last time, and was already 2-3 years away from being restored to pre sept quake (but had been patched to get it mostly working). Is now effectively destroyed in a lot of areas. Raw sewage is being dumped into the local rivers / estuary.

Many homes which has some damage from september, biut could be repaired, will now need to be rebuilt.

What I am stating is based on reports from Friends and Family, as through a quirk of technology, I have better communications here in the USA than friends and family have with each other in Christchurch.

If you can - please donate to the Red Cross Appeal. Note - the website appears to be struggling with load at the moment.

The kiwi thread has reports about most members we knew to be in christchurch as we got hold of them. So far - its been good news of only stuff being damaged, not people.

Tony-S wrote in post #11894081Wow, it sounds really, really bad. I sure hope that the rescue teams can get there fast.

All the Urban Search and Rescue from NZ are currently in Christchurch. Australia I think has 2 teams in christchurch already, with more on the way. UK / US / Japan teams are in transit.

Full National State of Emergency has been declared a few mins ago (was previously just Christchurch) so better co-ordinate the national resources. Medivac have been occurring to other NZ hospitals so the main chch ones can keep stabilizing people as they come in.

pleb1024 wrote in post #11894132All the Urban Search and Rescue from NZ are currently in Christchurch. Australia I think has 2 teams in christchurch already, with more on the way. UK / US / Japan teams are in transit.

Full National State of Emergency has been declared a few mins ago (was previously just Christchurch) so better co-ordinate the national resources. Medivac have been occurring to other NZ hospitals so the main chch ones can keep stabilizing people as they come in.

This is so typical of the NZ/Australian relationship,, helping each other out.. The Kiwis sent a couple of teams to Australia to help out with the recent Queensland floods..

Hi guys,We're OK. Thankfully I wasn't working in the centre at the time. I look at where all the damage is, where people have been killed, and know I was in all of those places very recently. I feel very lucky.As an example, If you look at the pile of stone under where the cathedral spire used to be. I was standing there and inside the cathedral taking pictures of the festival of flowers.It makes me feel ill thinking about it, and I don't know whether my friends and acquaintances are OK or not.

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